Logo Trends

Logo Lounge had released it's 2008 trends. There are some interesting changes around. Here is a reprint of the article.

Current Logo Trends
By: Bill Gardner

Trend-watching, until recently, has largely been an exercise in watching connections form between direct associations. Photoshop releases a new filter, and voila - entire raft of logos take on that effect. A particular illustration style is featured in a successful advertising campaign or movie, and in what seems like minutes, the flavor of that art starts to enhance corporate identities.

Periodically, something truly surprising and unexpected pops up. Finding those little treasures are one of the great perks of categorizing 27,000 logos, as LogoLounge and a talented panel of judges just did in preparation for our fourth book. But there's always that natural undercurrent of influence that touches this design and that, a drift of scent, a faint change in air temperature. It's there, but almost not.

This year, however, it seems as though there has been a change in the nature of trends themselves. Instead of a hub-to-spoke relationship in which trends fan out from a central source, prevailing tendencies in logo design now seem to send out long underground runners that poke through the dirt in unrelated, unexpected places, anywhere in the world. It's harder and harder to trace the rhizomatous spread of ideas anymore - which truly is a good thing.

What follows are 15 trends that have indeed popped up all over the world. Overcasting them all are prevailing winds that are worth noting first:

• We saw less emphasis on sustainability or general "greenness" in logo design. There's plenty of natural imagery, but being "green" doesn't seem all that unique anymore.


• Colors are becoming more vivid. Desaturation has drained away, and the chroma factor pumped up.


• There's an overall move toward cleanliness - in type, in line, in color - as if ideas are getting more and more succinct. It may be an indication of the degree of seriousness with which branding is now regarded.


• Less is more common: less calligraphy, less Photoshop tricks, less artificial highlights.


• Found pattern and illustration hang on and on and on. With a bottomless treasure chest of visual history constantly at the ready through retail collections and over the internet, it's a direction that's not likely to run its course soon, if ever.

And now, the trends. Please remember that they are gathered here to chart long-term movement or change, not to offer design suggestions. It's a living history. The key is to study the trends, then evolve forward - as far forward as you can leap - from them.

Supernova

Imagine what astrophysicists would label a supernova or the eruption and attendant explosion of a star. In a light show reminiscent of the jump to hyperdrive in the original Star Wars, these logos attack the challenge of motion head on. For years we've seen marks that have created the impression of motion from a profile perspective using streaks or blurs to signify speed.

These examples drive a field of elements toward or away from the viewer using a variety of methods. The LodgeNet logo (by Jerry Kuyper) advertises the company's in-room movie service by flying a picture at you with a smart explosive technique. This blast is simple in construction and void of halftone - particularly interesting considering the product is an online commodity that could easily have justified overboard solutions replete with RGB trickery.

1. Jerry Kuyper for LodgeNet 2. Gabi Toth for Halo Consulting 3. Crave Inc. for IQ Beverage Group 4. Mirko Ilic Corp. for Dr. Zoran Djindjic Fund

Fine Line

Consistency of line weight is one of the tenants of good logo design. It builds rhythm and ensures legibility at first glance. Forget this rule for this category. Turn your line weight down to hairline and start drawing. Most of these logos live on two levels: first glance, and then second glance, with reader glasses. Typically, a heavier image with message one serves as a background field. The more profound message two is generally encrypted over the top of or knocked out of the heavier image.

Fine strokes weights may read as no more than pattern initially, but they can also carry the dichotomy of a counter message. A variation on this is the use of linear art en masse to create enough weight to define a message as in the PULSE logo. This yin yang process tends to captivate the viewer and lends a sense of intelligence to a mark that doesn't require a hammer to impart a subtle message.

1. Louis Fili for The Mermaid Inn 2. Hula + Hula for Cartoon Network Lainamerica 3. Unit for Artists for Peace 4. Point Blank Collection for Pulse

FoldOver

Imagine being asked to design a logo with a long strip of paper as your only tool. These quasi origami style solutions craft out a sense of dimensionality despite staying relatively flat. The material from which these are created range from (but are not limited to) transparent film, metal, and paper. There seems to be a message of cleverness and economy of stroke in many of these.

Sometimes the simplicity of the folds takes on additional meaning when the substrates demonstrate unique properties. Note how the opposite side of the material changes to a different color at every fold in the TURN logo. Or see how transparency enforces the visual overlap of material. In some ways, this technique creates a bit of a puzzle effect. It engages the viewer as it tempts them into tracing out the path of the mark or trying to determine if the folds could really occur as offered.

1. PMKFA for Yes King 2. Gardner Design for Liberty Capital 3. A3 Design for Urban Architectural Group 4. Addis Creson for Turn

Global Expansion

What a refreshing outlook this trend presents. Time was that any company involved in international commerce gave some passing consideration to a globe as their logo. It's a solution that has become terribly challenging to address with an original perspective. These logos at least have the honesty to step back and say, "Hey, we may not be fully global yet, but give us time." All of these marks rely on a centric pattern that diminishes at the edge and then warps out to wrap the sphere in symbolic expansion.

Cato Purnell Partner's diverse group of solutions for Dubai Airport succinctly communicates a key message. Commerce, travel, and tourism have made Dubai a true crossroad for international travelers, and this world-class logo has found a unique way to express the point. Using the Islamic sacred symbol of an octagram, or eight-pointed star, the logo starts to envelope the global sphere with its spreading tile mosaic. The dissemination of a culture is no accidental message in this mark.

1. Lippincott for XOHM 2. Cato Purnell Partners for Dubai International 3. Futurebrand BC&H for Transpiratininga 4. FIRON for Novatel

Loops

Continuous bands, yes, but not all of these marks have that certain mojo of the Mobius strip. Moving away from the universal sign of infinity, this group of logos seems to celebrate the flow of a closed cycle. No doubt more than a few rubber bands were called into action for their modeling services, but a ribbon-like figure was not mandatory.

There is something personal about the lack of perfect symmetry displayed here. The flexible nature of these logos signifies the ability to transform to meet the needs of the moment. Some appear to be snapshots of motion captured in a millisecond, of an object tense with energy.

The Peugeot 307 loop reflects the profile of that specific car but also seems to hover weightlessly above the ground. The chromed appearance of the mark takes on a surrealistic quality while conveying a certain technical prowess as well.

1. Lippincott for IBM & Freescale 2. Angelini Design for Peugeot International 3. Miriello Grafico, Inc. for Qualcomm 4. Double Brand for Long term car rent

Jawbreakers

Anyone who's ever torn up his or her mouth grazing on a jawbreaker or Gobstopper can attest to the concentric rainbow displayed on a perfect cross-section of the confection. There is a certain childhood joy associated with the perfect cleaving of these orbs that is akin to discovering hidden treasure. The 70's op-art quality of these marks is accomplished with little regard for a reserved palette. Generally, brilliant color is a must and often cross-sections are as unique as Technicolor snowflakes.

There is a youthfulness to these logos that addresses a certain vitality in the market. You can't help but smile at the visual joy they seem to capture. Influences could include Target's inventive use of its own logo in marketing efforts, although the red and white of their mark seems sedate in comparison to examples shown here.

1. Form for Dazed & Confused/Topshop 2. MacLaren McCann Calgary for Telphonic 3. Volatile for Antidote 4. Volatile for Pod

Strobe

Animation in the static environment of print is challenging at best, but with some sequential stop-motion images, a solution is at hand. Remember those flip-books that with a riffle played out a short animation? Now, take the images, place them on a single surface, and this is the result. These marks have a slinky-like, fluid nature that lends a graceful aesthetic to their associated companies.

The Nikon logo crafted by Interbrand some years ago may have signaled the introduction of this process with a major brand. Sprint's adoption of Lippincott's logo, a representation of the stop-motion animation of pin dropping, opened the gates for deeper exploration and solutions in a similar vein. Nokia Siemens' new animated logo, created by Moving Brands, successfully plays out the strobe concept when adapted to print.

1. Interbrand for Nikon 2. Moving Brands for Nokia Siemens Networks 3. Lippincott for UMW 4. Lippincott for Sprint

Nimbus

Shield your eyes and pull out the 30 spf sunblock. It's not a sunburn you'll fear, but you may need to protect yourself from overly bright ideas. There is a certain glorification associated with all of these marks. The central core of the image is usually a bright tunnel out of which great light emanates. If this sounds a bit like the parting of clouds and the appearance of deities, you may not be far off.

Dissemination of light or energy by the use of rays is far more than an astral aura. This indicates a central subject or capability and the prospect that it holds the key or the solution to whatever the question is. Light also connotes knowledge and guidance. Even distribution of these spokes ensures a fairness of distribution and equality of access. As a moth will attest, there is an attracting radiance to these logos, regardless of color.

1. Gardner Design for Catalyst 2. Glitschka Studios for Proctor & Gamble 3. Circulodiseno, SC fr New Venturees 4. Chris Herron Design for Marimon Inc. & Kelly Swofford Roy

Stitch

Over the last several years, designers have taken refuge with a variety of appropriated patterns. Design backgrounds have become shrines for wallpaper swatches, Victorian patterns, organic flora, faux wood grains and any other rococo-retro surface that is not nailed down or otherwise copyrighted.

Houndstooth and herringbone aside, designers on more boutique projects are dipping into their grandmothers' baskets of sundries and notions. This is often not as much about textile patterns as it is about the elements that hold a garment together. Zig zag, whip, and cross-stitch are a few of the strokes in the sewing arsenal. Bric-a-brac, fishnet, fringe, and tassels are also working their way into these solutions. This common language of mundane elements takes on a refreshing, often feminine beauty when layered together with great taste. Just remember that the difference between a tablecloth and a haute couture gown is not the material, but knowing what to do with it.

1. The Woodbine Agency for Lamp 2. tenn_do_ten for chico 3. The Pink Pear Design Company for Rummage 4. Hammerpress for Natasha's Mulberry & Mott

Colorblind

Sometimes clusters of a logo technique surface with little if any rationale. For this bracket, it's as if National Geographic just reported the recent unearthing of a series of Ishihara color plates for color blind testing. The influence is obvious but the timing is unexplained. You have to admire the chutzpah of a client willing to adopt a logo that 7% of the male population and 0.4% of women won't be able to understand.

Maybe this is exactly the point. These marks represent a quirkiness associated with entities that only a certain percent of the population will be able to really appreciate. Even for individuals without color blindness, these visuals can be a bit challenging to decipher. But that adds to their mystique and helps to build affinity for the logos when the viewer realizes he has passed the test. Either way, there is a joyful, reminiscent charm at work here - either that or this report is entirely wrong and these companies all sell Dippin' Dots ice cream.

1. Colorblind Chameleon - Self Promotion 2. Range for Dennis Murphy 3. Pearpod for Razoo 4. Cricket Design Works for Creme Cafe

Amoeba

These are soft, inflated blobs without any sharp corners to fall and hurt yourself on. Their friendly shapes are generally unstructured and much like an amoeba under the lens of an electron microscope, fluid and in motion. Amoeba comes from the Greek word amoibe, meaning to change, and this trend is about flux. The elements that compose these logos are anything but static. You can imagine a relationship between the parts of a logo as if they have just divided from one another.

This process of morphing and motion give us a clue about the structure and processes of the businesses represented here. Flexibility and an agile nature allow businesses to adapt in mercurial industries. These are entities that embrace the value of evolution. If you're evolving, chances are you're a living organism, and there aren't too many of those with corners.

1. Tactix Creative for DJ Eddie Amador 2. Double Brand for Poza Showroom 3. Mola for EDP 4. Yaroslav Zheleznyakov for Promotion

Facets

Ali Baba and the 40 thieves knew what mattered in a cavern laden with jewel-encrusted treasure. In these precious gems, there is an intrinsic value of which legends are crafted. Whose eyes are not stopped by the alluring refractions of a precious bobble? What a perfect substance from which to carve an identity.

To create the greatest value in a material as base as a stone, one has to first recognize potential worth. With exacting efforts, a trained eye can cut away the precise amount that will best maximize value. All of this is done with the looming specter of complete failure if the action is not correct. With great risk comes great reward.

These logos can also address the multifaceted nature of a business. By arranging these facets in their optimal positions you create the greatest clarity and light. Or maybe it's not that deep and we just like bright and shiny things.

1. Kitsh for Clay Saphire 2. Thomas Manss & Company for VCC Perfect Pictures 3. Gardner Design for Lavish 4. BFive for Solo Company

Doodles

There is a base honesty to an image that has never been shoved in one side of a computer and back out the other. There is still some soul attached to the mark and even a little sweat and blood from the originator. No attempt is being made to deceive the consumer and certainly there was no upper level management committee to quash the innocence of the humbly crafted logo.

Immediacy is an important justifier for these marks as well. The Rebuild logo, developed after Hurricane Katrina sends the message, these people need your help now. There is no time to finesse a corporate solution to the problem here: We need the help and response of everyone, and we need it now.

Personal messages and a sense of humanity are associated with these marks. It is the assurance the middleman has been cut out, and that this message is between me and you and no one else.

1. Steve's Portfolio for www.thehurricaneposterproject.com 2. Stubborn Sideburns for Hipposchemes 3. Fifth Letter for Shawn Lynch 4. Studio Oscar for Levi Strauss

Flourish

Take a piece of relatively unassuming typography, water and fertilize with insane pixie dust, and let it grow. These logos could be relatives of the Flora and Embellish trend identified over the last two years, but they are definitely about type on steroids. Imagine type with hair that has been coiffed for fashion week in a Fellini movie.

Credit the stunning work of Si Scott and the unbridled design of Marian Bantjes as primary influences on this work. Scott specifically has developed a signature look that is being emulated a bit too close for comfort, in some instances.

Decorative flourishes gone wild identify these entities: They give more than you anticipate and are conscious of the frills and excesses necessary to carry you to satisfaction. These designs are exoticand unexpected but with enough whimsy to avoid being overtly feminine.

1. Lucero Design for Project 240 Apparel 2. United* for Bar Carrera NY 3. Team Manila Graphic Design Studio for Neu Media 4. Distrubancy Graphic Treatment for Eclipse Streetwear

Fibrous

Twisting threads travel in tandem or are spun together to form a twine with even greater strength. Or you see the tendrils of a vine traveling outward from a single source. Maybe it's the ebb and flow of a rhythmic group of fine fibers acting in concert to create the illusion of a solid mass. These are just of few of the descriptions that help define this category.

A collective acting in unison to maximize action and create strength in numbers is at the heart of these logos. These are not lines in perfect step with one and other. Unlike the grooves of a record, these elements show a degree of independence and celebrate the diversity of the components as they unite.

Uniting elements for a common good has become a prevalent theme of late. This trend transcends the corporate world and is seen in social efforts as well. Respect of individuality and honor of uniqueness are admirable pursuits.

1. Guillermo Brea & Associates for Argentina 2. Najlon for Town RIJEKA 3. Mattson Creative for The Collective 4. AtomicasStudio for 2 excite

Minor Trends

Some categories emerged this year that did not qualify for their own lanes, but which are still worthy of mention.

	Animotion: What makes these designs unique is that they are designed to be in motion. They are not static designs that were juiced up later. You can view some excellent examples in action at www.LogoLounge.com. Moving Brands for Swisscom
	Braille Words: Imagine words, numbers, or letters formed out of Braille-like dots. Pearpod for Plus 3
	Stacks: These logos are like transparent sandwiches that have shape stacked upon shape upon shape. Bukka Design for Neven Vision
	Contact Drop: If a contact lens dropped on top of a logo, you'd have the same effect that these logos have. They are generally lens- or circular in shape with a hard outer edge and a soft inner edge. Think of the Barrack Obama logo. FutureBrand for MasterCard Worldwide
	Psyche Type: If you want to know what is going to happen in any kind of design, look back to what was happening 30 years ago. It's a never-ending merry-go-round of style. Witness the groovin' psychedelic type treatments that are so popular today. It's Haight-Ashbury all over again. Yaroslav Zheleznyakov for Lemonades from Arbuzov
	Pathways: There are also plenty of motion lines to be seen, going up and down, back and forth, or around and around. These are like tracers — sometimes transparent like light, bouncing around or bending in space. The Tennis Australia logo is an excellent example. Where the ball goes, the logo goes. FutureBrand (UK) for Lakshmi N. Mittal
	Warped: If you take a gridded piece of paper and start to fold or twist it, the printed grid will begin to conform to whatever motion you're applying. But in this category of logos, the substrate is more pliable, more flexible than paper. There's more give and stretch, so that lines on the x and y axis become contorted. thackway+mccord for FINRA

Finally, it's worth noting that there's a reasonably reliable place to look every day for the very latest in logo design (in addition, to LogoLounge.com, that is): television promo graphics for any of the major "style" channels — Food Network, Discovery, HGTV, the Travel Channel, and more. Because they have the money and the ability to get work out there quickly, the channels tend to be progressive forecasters and trendsetters. And designers, just like the rest of the unwashed masses, are home on the couch, watching.

Bill Gardner is principal of Gardner Design and creator of LogoLounge.com, a unique web site where, in real-time, members can post their logo design work; study the work of others; search the database by designer's name, client type, and other attributes; learn from articles and news written expressly for logo designers; and much more. Bill can be contacted at bill@logolounge.com.

2008 Logolounge Inc.

Click: Logo Lounge

Starbucks - Back to basics

Ok, I'm back! But I'm a bit tired from all the moving, etc. So I'm going to cheat today and use a post that I just wrote for the dieline. I think it's worth sharing here as well....

(Photo: Powerbooktrance via Flickr)

After 37 years, Starbucks has gone back to its roots with their new "Pike Place Roast" and redesign of the iconic cup. The retro logo showcases a modified version of the original "siren" logo designed by Terry Heckler. (You'll notice that this one is a bit more PC).

Although, is it still a redesign if it's an old design? The design is part of a back to basics campaign focusing on the history of the brand, and establishing their place as coffee experts - but is only a temporary move. So if you're a fan of the green logo, have no fear, it will return.

So what do we think? I personally like the return to their roots. I like the brown color-scheme and the historical reference. If nothing else, it really makes you look twice, as we're so conditioned to seeing the Starbucks green. It's no secret that Starbucks sales have been down lately... they've rapidly opened stores, created drive-thru windows, and have started offering all kinds of food and beverage options, that have diluted their original brand. They also have a lot of competition from the likes of Dunkin' Donuts and McDonalds, which all now offer coffee and espresso drinks. Perhaps this marks the beginning of a return to what Starbucks does best - good coffee.

Click here for a brief history on the Starbucks logo.

Graffiti vs. Street Art

I posted many moons ago about the fascination I have with street art. Not the unimaginative "tags" that teenage hoodlums create. But the really intriguing work by actual artists, who happen to use the big wide world as their medium. This is a world away from graffiti, as most people think of it. It's seeing something unexpected & artistic that puts a smile on your face.

There's an artist in the UK called "Banksy," who has become the talk of the town for his street art, and his distinctive stencil-style. His work sells for thousands of pounds. Towns are now calling for preservation of these works of art.

Street art is also moving indoors with dedicated auctions to "urban art" and an exhibition the Tate Modern. Finally, it is hitting the mainstream decoration market, with framed "graffiti" prints, and the cool lamps seen below from Re-surface.

So, the question is: What happens when street art become mainstream? Does it defeat the purpose of the medium? I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Banksy
www.banksy.co.uk

Banksy

Banksy

Banksy

Adam Neate
www.adamneate.co.uk

re-surface
www.re-surface.net

Jobs you wish you had

As first seen listed on the How Design Blog... Fast Company has released it's picks for top ten jobs in 2008. These include Sleep Coaches and Brew Masters! But the one that I found most relevant was "Interaction Designer." Not, mind you, Interactive Designer. That is a very different job. Here's a brief description:

Interaction designers don't just design. They work with executives to define goals for the products and systems they help develop. And they mix reporting, psychology, and anthropology to see how people actually use what they design. By creating "personas" -- hypothetical users with constructed life stories -- interaction designers predict how people might approach a product. With a healthy dose of fiction and regular hat changing, this job provides constant stimulation.

It's interesting. I think a lot of designers and marketing professionals do offer some of these services. But this is the first time I've seen it given a title. Well, it sounds great to me. I always say that you can have the most beautiful design ever, but if nobody responds to it, or it doesn't hit the right market, then it's a wasted design.

Click here to see the full list.

Fashion Bags

Here's an interesting article from the NY Times, sent to me by the lovely Dana. Basically, it reports that a lot of hi-end (and not-so-hi-end) retailers have been spending oodles of money to redesign their shopping bags. The assumption is that consumers are happy to continue using retail bags if they're of nice design and good quality. Of course, it's good from an environmental standpoint to reuse bags, but the real profit is in continuous advertising. The caveat is that you must have a good brand to begin with. I don't think people will be lining up to reuse their WalMart bags!

I definitely think this has been around for a while... the little brown bag from Bloomingdales, the green carrier from Harrods, or the bright orange bag from Selfridges. But those who remember my "it bag" posts about Anya Hindmarch, know that it's been a growing industry. Should be interesting to see how it plays out.

Click here to read the full article.

Logo Trends

LogoLounge.com is a great resource for designers. For a yearly membership fee, you can upload as many logo designs as you'd like. You can post a personal profile, so that others can look up your amazing work, and you have access to articles, features, and trends. You can also search the entire logo library by designer, style, or subject. Finally, LogoLounge publishes a "best of" logo book each year, in which the content is chosen from uploads to the site. I'm a big fan of both the site and the books.

One great thing that LogoLounge reports on each year is trends. It's fascinating to see how things evolve in the industry. Click here to see the full 2007 Trend Report by Bill Gardner. Here's a sampling...Rubber Bands, Eco Smart, Pseudo Crest...

100% Design (Part 4)

I love Lizzie Allen. Ok, well, I don't know Lizzie Allen, but I do know her work and it's wonderful! She creates really iconic, hand screen-printed wallpaper. Some are more traditional, but my favorites are the fanciful scenes of city life. She takes the ordinary and makes it into something special indeed.

Below are some snaps of her London collection. But she has launched a New York line, and does commissions as well. Check out her site here.

100% Design (Part 3)

I love wallpaper. I didn't always. I was much more of a contemporary/clean paint/funky colors type of person. But there is such an amazing array of designs out there now, that I think I'm smitten! The displays at 100% Design were amazing. I could have spent hours in each booth, but that would just be weird.

One interesting booth had a new product called Magscapes (by Pepper-Mint). I stopped first because the paper itself was interesting. But while talking to the representative, she told me of it's special property. It's magnetic! It opens up a world of possibility for interesting designs. They can also custom print your own design on the wallpaper. So if you've ever fancied being a pattern designer, now is your chance!

Click here to see more on their website. Below are some fun pix gathered from various sources.

100% Design (Part 1)

It's long overdue, I know. But I am finally going to post about some of the wonderful and inspiring things I saw at 100% Design last weekend.

First of all, it was a fantastic show. The displays were grouped according to industry, and covered: materials (new, reusable, recycled, etc), lighting, furniture/interiors, and new designers. In addition to the displays, there were talks, discussions and workshops with industry folk. It was all a bit overwhelming, and I wish I had been able to go back to see the things I had missed.

My 2 favorite areas were 100% Design (which was home furnishings, fabrics, wallpaper, and decor) and 100% Materials. They were both really enlightening.

One of the first stops I made was to a company called Modulor, in the Materials section. They had the wonderful samples boxes for sale, and I just had to scoop one up. Each box contains 199 samples of some of their more popular products. I love all the different textures, colors, and finishes. It's a great little box of inspiration. Modulor can deliver the material of your choice in quantities large and small, and they can ship worldwide. They also have specialty services available such as custom cut sizes and reworking of materials (drilling, edging, etc). They are a great resource if you're looking to make a statement on your next project.

Click here for more information on Modulor.

Below are pictures from the show including the wall of inspiration that guests were encouraged to graffiti, and a shot of the fabulous Modulor sample box.

Shopping

Well, yes, we also managed to do a little shopping on our tour of Scandinavia. Mostly we bought some beautiful pieces for the home, that will remind us of where we have been. But I was also keen to snap up a few design pieces. My first victim was a set of greeting cards. They're so beautiful, that I plan on framing them.

The company is called 1973. And while they're located in the UK, I actually found the cards in Copenhagen. Go figure. The series is called Paper Nature and was designed by the talented Emma Emerson. They are printed on an earthy brown card stock, and stamped with striking foil figures. I've posted some eye candy below.

And, in line with my love of all things green (environmentally speaking), I was happy to read that 1973 has gone green with cards printed on recycled materials, and vegetable based inks.

For more info on 1973, visit their website here.

Trend: Watercolor

Ok, I'm going to go out on a limb here and highlight a "trend" that I'm seeing a lot of these days –Watercolor. That's right, remember those runny paints that you used to play with in kindergarten? Some of us have even gone so far as to try them again in more recent years. Personally, I'm TERRIBLE at it. I always end up with a big runny lot of colors. But, luckily some people have a far better flair for it than I do. And now, I'm seeing watercolor used all over the place... from websites to advertising... and I love it. It adds such a nice, personal touch to mediums that are often impersonal and digitally rendered. I'm ALMOST inspired to try it again.

(You heard it hear first. Above is the beginning of the latest edition of the Nori Studios website.)

Here are some sites currently leading the way. In order: Anthropologie, Daily Candy, and Kasil Jeans.

Fight Dirty

Ok, I don't know how I missed this brand. It has everything that appeals to me - nice design, fun packaging, and a commitment to the environment. The company is called Method. They have the best tagline: "People against dirty." They create a range of cleaning products for the home and body. Their formulas are made from biodegradable ingredients, their packaging is made from recyclable materials, and the don't test on animals (nor do their suppliers). Yay for Method. Even better? It's sold throughout the US, Canada and the UK.

Some of their bottles are designed by Karim Rashid, and really are a work of art... not something that gets hidden away in closets. And their fragrances are natural. None of this headache inducing chemical smell. I have got to get some of these.

Changing the World

I've just received my very own copy of "Change the World 9 to 5," which is the sequel to "Change the World for a Fiver" by We Are What We Do. If you recall, this is the company behind the idea for the famous Anya Hindmarch "it" bag, which continues to cause quite a stir (see previous post). The book was written by Steve Henry, and designed by Antidote.

Not only is the book adorable, smart, witty AND well-designed, but it has great easy tips for reducing your impact on the earth AND making it a happier place to be. Things such as:

Action 058 - Pull the plug on mobile phone chargers- 95% of the energy used by the charges is wasted because people leave them plugged in. They're only doing their job (charging phones) 5% of the time.

Action 082 - "Aspire not to have more, but to be more" Archbishop Oscar Romero

Action 089 - Ring the IT help desk just to see how they are

I think we could all learn a little something from this book and movement.

Royal Showtime

Every summer, the renowned Royal College of Art hosts it's "Great Exhibition Summer Show." This lets 385 graduating students, from more than 36 countries, exhibit their best work. It's a great way to see some interesting work. If you happen to be in town, it's worth a stop. If you're not, you can still browse some of the work through their website.

Here is just a tiny sample of what's on display. In order: "Table R" by Il Hoon Roh, Textiles by Kaori Ueda, and ceramic plate by Heidi Parsons.

My Favorite Things

If I had to make a list of things I really love, it would have to include: design, books, and fashion. Well, to celebrate Penguin Classics 60th Anniversary (2006), they asked 5 designers to choose their favorite classic and design a cover for it. The designers chosen for the task were Paul Smith (Lady Chatterley's Lover, DH Lawrence), Manolo Blahnik (Madame Bovary, Flaubert), Ron Arad (The Idiot, Dostoyevsky), Sam Taylor-Wood (Tender is the Night, Fitzgerald) and Fuel (Crime and Punishment, Dostoyevsky). I love this idea, and the mixing of different creative industries.

See the results below in order. And click here for more info on each book and why the designer chose it.






































P.S. I do have lots of inspiration to share from Greece, but am currently sorting through 400 photos. I'll have something posted soon.

Greek Out

I'll be taking a little hiatus from blogging for a while. We're off on holiday to Greece! Ancient art, ruins, and maybe some beach-time. Be sure to check out the links to the right for some inspiration while I'm away.

In the meantime, keep a look out for Grecian inspired clothes this summer. Courtesy of Urban Outfitters:

Shoes

Yes, I love shoes. I do. I don't know why. Maybe it's a genetic predisposition. Maybe it's my creative side that loves the fun colors and shapes. Maybe it's my inner fashionista just looking for an outlet.

So, imagine my joy at the new shoe website by Gap, Inc. called PiperLime. They sell a wide range of shoes by various designers, and the prices range from affordable to "time-to-treat-myself."

Take a look at some of the pretties...

The Design 100 (continued)

So, how many of you actually went to the site to see the other top picks? Be honest. Well, if you did, kudos. If you didn't, it's you're lucky day because I have a few more favorites that I'd like to display here.

First is Timorous Beasties. This London pattern is so great... modern toile. I first saw it introduced last year in patterns on fine china dishware, but it's nice to see how it all goes together in this larger format.



















Here's a sample from Josef Frank. So bright, happy and whimsical. Anthropologie now has a limited range of his work available in the US!

The Design 100

Time has listed is Top 100 in Design. Click here to see the full article. From their web page:
"Good design is everywhere these days. Great design—the objects, places and ideas that fuse functionality and aesthetics and then push the boundaries a step further to capture the imagination—is more elusive. Take a look at the standouts."

Here are some interesting designs from the packaging section.













Sak's Fifth Avenue. They've modified their logo a bit, and then they zoomed in, chopped it into squares and rearranged it as prints to use on bags, scarves and skirts. I love the boldness of the black and white shapes that are created.

















Coke Blak. I love that Coca-Cola kept their iconic ribbon, but used it in a while new way. This product is infused with coffee. I'm a big fan of the "bean" icon at the top. Smart.














Pangea Organics. You know me and organic! The boxes these skin-care items come in are actually plantable! The boxes are embedded with seeds like sweet basil. Just soak in water and plant! I love it.

Moo Two

I just returned from a fabulous visit to Italy, to find the most exciting thing waiting for me... my Moo Cards! It was like Christmas.

They are so totally cute. Here are a few pix, but they don't do them much justice. The cards themselves are 1" x 2.75". Teensy tiny, and all the better for it. They're printed on heavy paper, with a nice feel to it. The printing is ok, but for £9, who can complain? I'm lucky to get a coffee for less than that. Anyhow, enjoy the pix. If anyone gets a set, let me know, I'd love to see them.

Moooove it

Moo Cards are all the rage... or so it seems to me. For those very familiar with the "blog-o-sphere" or "New Media", this may not be news. But I've seen them popping up a lot lately, and I've finally jumped in myself.

Basically, you load up to 100 photos of your choosing to the website. You then enter the info you want on your card, and in 10 days you receive a set of these adorable, skinny-mini cards with full-color images on the back. I've put mine together as business cards, with portfolio pieces on the back. But I can see them being great as save the date cards, birth announcements or moving cards. You don't have a lot of control over the formatting of the information, but the imagery makes them so personal, that it's unlikely you'll ever see one just like it.

Additionally, Moo Cards work with sites such as flicker.com and second life. So if you're already signed up with those, you can transfer your imagery rather seamlessly.

Now these cards have taken on a life of their own. People leave them around major cities and form treasure hunts. Others trade the moo cards of popular artists, much like baseball cards. Perhaps someday someone will want on of mine??

I'll update you with pix once I receive my set. Below is a picture from the Moo Cards website.

Trendy (part 13)

Lucky # 13. This is the final installment of the trend report. Yippee! And you thought it would never happen :)

Letterpress printing has been popular for a while now. But the trend continues, so it's worth noting again. Letterpress cards/prints/books have a unique feel to them. The subtle texture that is created by the press gives it a high quality feel, while the lines are always crisp, clean and beautiful.

From Wikipedia:

...fine letterpress work is crisper than offset litho because of its impression into the paper, giving greater visual definition to the type and artwork. Today, many of these small letterpress shops survive by printing fine editions of books or by printing upscale invitations and stationery, often using presses that require the press operator to feed paper one sheet at a time by hand. They are just as likely to use old printing methods as new, for instance by printing photopolymer plates (used in modern rotary letterpress) on restored 19th century presses.

The process requires a high degree of craftsmanship, but in the right hands, letterpress excels at fine typography. It is used by many small presses that produce fine handmade limited-edition books, artists' books, and high-end ephemera such as greeting cards and broadsides.To bring out the best attributes of letterpress, graphic designers need to understand the capabilities and advantages of letterpress. For instance, since most letterpress equipment prints only one color at a time (unlike presses for offset printing which often use four-color process printing), designs are best limited to one or two colors. Photographic work is usually avoided entirely. Letterpress printing's strengths are best crisp lines, pattern work, and/or typography.

Below is a beautiful card from MoonTree Letterpress.

Trendy (part 12)

Type.

Letters and type can be a lot of fun. Especially when used in unexpected ways. We're talking branching out from Helvetica, people! There are several lines of cards/papers/shirts/bags out now that use fun quotes mixed with interesting typography.

Here are samples from Urban Graphic. I love the quotes.






























Below is a canvas from quotablecards.com. They have a broad range of note cards, journals, books and canvases.


















And lastly, some "designer" wear from Veer. This shirt reflects the impression that most of my family has of my job. Well, I guess it's not that far off...

Trendy (part 11)

With spring in the air today (finally!), this seems an appropriate post. Orchids are fresh and fun, and slightly exotic. They are showing up everywhere, including holiday packaging! So keep a look out in December. The most popular colors that they're being seen in right now are white and light green.

Below is a pretty orchid clothes-hook from Charlotte Lancelot. She also has a new line of Orchid place mats which are to fresh and perfect for the spring.

Trendy (part 10)

I feel like a broken-record, but I really am almost done with the trend report! Thanks for your patience :)

Well, we all love the fun, slightly rebellious, attitude of the 60's and 70's... and now designers are bringing it back. Colors, patterns and artwork reminiscent of those 2 decades are prevalent. The best is when it has a modern twist. But I do enjoy seeing it... so bright and happy. And you know how I love patterns...

Here's a top from Anthropologie. Peruse their site and you'll find a large amount of their clothes have a slight throw back to the 70's. Even some of their furniture has a similar twist. Fun, fun!

I've got IT

As a follow up to my post a while ago. I got my hands on the £5 "it" bag today! Yippee!!!! We waited in line early this morning, and it's paid off. I'm the proud owner of a new Anya Hindmarch bag! And it's so pretty!

I have to admit, this campaign proves the effectiveness of buzz marketing. The response was overwhelming, and these bags are now being sold on eBay for 10 times their original cost. I love it.

Trendy (part 9)

Happy Monday! We're not done with the trend report yet, but the goal is to finish it up this week. Today I'm writing about the most popular pattern of the trend show: damask. Often seen in wallpaper and fabric... but now branching out with many different uses. According to Wikipedia, damask is:

"a figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers, with a pattern formed by weaving... The term originally referred to ornamental silk fabrics, which were elaborately woven in colours, sometimes with the addition of gold and other metallic threads. Damask weaves are commonly produced today in silk, linen or linen-type fabrics which feature woven patterns featuring flowers, fruit, forms of animal life, and other types of ornament."

Below is a modern sample from Dan Funderburgh.

Trendy (part 8)

Silhouettes–

Per the Apple iPod advertising revolution a few years ago... silhouettes are still hot. Lately they are often seen layered with other images, or filled with patterns and images. Below, yet another examples from Urban Outfitters.

Trendy (part 7)

More animals in today's trend report... who would have thought it was possible? Well, today is about horses. And anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE horses. Apparently they are the "most popular icon in the trend show"... used in stationery, bags, clothes, and even holiday decorations. I'm going to love seeing these around. Below is a journal from paper+cup.

Trendy (part 6)

Yes, I'm back on track to finish up the trend highlights for 2007/2008. Just a few more posts to go before we're through. Who knows what I'll talk about then.

I just love this trend. It's been dubbed "woodland." Basically, these fun little forest dwellers are showing up everywhere. We're talking, deer, rabbits, owls, pine trees... a whole menagerie. Sure to brighten any one's day. Take a look at the adorable print below from Etsy shop seller, blackbirdletterpress.

The IT bag

Ok, I swear this will be the last "environmental" post for a little while. I am officially getting off my soap box after this, and will return to finish up the 2007/2008 trend forecast. Just consider this a little detour.

The new "it" bag in London this spring was designed by Anya Hindmarch and is being distributed in conjunction with wearewhatwedo.com and Sainsbury's grocery stores. According the Anya's site, "Green is the new black." This bag has been toted around by celebs such as Reese Witherspoon. And the cost? Just 5 pounds (less than a trip to Starbucks)! The idea is to have a cute reusable bag with a message. At that cost, they can saturate the market with them and hopefully do a little good.

Now... if I can just get my hand on a few. It may be the only "it" bag that I can ever afford.

Recycle me

An addendum to yesterday's post. Urban Outfitters now has a line of recycled home decorations. See their mirrors, lanterns and frames below.

And another good resource: treehugger.com

Trendy (part 5)

Today's theme is "Organic."

There are 2 different ways in which this trend has manifested itself. One is environmental, the other is stylistic.

{1}
Let's tackle the most important one first. The environment. A concern for the environment on a mass scale is finally having it's day in the sun. There are endless news reports and documentaries about environmental damage and how individuals and corporations alike, can do their part to remedy the situation. In the design field, there are more recycled papers and soy-based inks being offered. Packaging can be made from recycled and recyclable materials, or bio degradable materials. And hopefully consumers will begin to respond to companies that take a greener stand than their competitors.

{2}
And, from the trend report.... The concept of "organic" is also playing out stylistically. Similar to "home spun," artwork here has a hand done feel. Even artwork created on the computer has a raw feel. There is a movement toward less "perfect" Adobe Illustrator-type art.

To be honest, I'm not sure I agree with the reporting of this trend from the style point of view. We were creating "raw" artwork on the computer years ago. Perhaps it's now more mainstream then it was. But, I personally feel that it's starting to swing back the other way. Or, you'll see a combination of raw artwork mixed with more perfect lines and type. Feel free to agree or disagree...

Below are 2 samples of "organic" work that I have created. The first is for DaimlerChrysler, and was created about 3 years ago. The second was for Tsingtao beer, created a year+ ago.

Trendy (part 4)

Let's take a break from color trends and move on to the themes and icons that you'll be seeing around you this year. I apologize, but I can't direct you to the author of these trends, as they came through a friend as a trend show download. But they're too great to not share.

The first theme is "home spun." In a world where most of our everyday items have been mass produced, sometimes cheaply and without much care, it's nice to see a return to hand-made items. There are tons of little niche shops that produce fantastic pieces made by hand, and with heart. One place to find numerous items all at once is etsy.com. A 5 minute search produced the following finds:

Sold from top to bottom by: Rania Hassan, Tinkybelle, and Lagreen. Take a look at etsy and see what treasures you can find.

Trendy (part 3)

More color trends? Why, yes indeed. At this rate we'll cover the whole spectrum and everything will be "in fashion."

Today I'm highlighting the color trend that Gunnar Frank calls "Cubism Monochrome." I really like the feel of this palette. It's somewhat neutral and reserved, goes together well, and is very usable in real life. The best way I can describe it is: calming. I would like to live in a house painted in some of these colors. The following is what the expert says on this palette:

"Cubism Monochrome – combines the family of seven neutral colours with the character of Cubism. The transition from actual to abstract in this art form is ideally complemented by “non-colours”, which serve as projection surfaces, providing a focus of calmness and a basis for reorientation. Stirring motifs and quotes from previous centuries create a new tension. In the shapes and colour moods there are changes of perspective that form part of a dynamic lifestyle and interior design."

Trendy (part 2)

Cool colors – greys, blues, greens. Mr. Frank (see previous post) calls it "Futurism Dawn." And I quote:
"Futurism Dawn – the cool spectrum of the blue-green tones is enhanced with the courage and boldness of Futurism. Here the aura of the moon meets rationality. The fascinating contrast of fairytale accessories creates an overall impression of mystery and mystic charm. The mood is one of distant playfulness that is forwardlooking and signals the progressive character of this interior design style. As in Surreal Sunny, modernism and romanticism find equal expression."

And regarding material:
"...the modern and romantic find equal expression, creating clean, open interiors in which blue and white dominate. The importance of stone, faux leather, glass and iron is resurgent. The initial impression is one of simplicity."

Simple and peaceful, or cold and uninviting? You're the judge.

Trendy (part 1)

The next few posts are going to be dedicated the trends popping up for 2007/2008. A special thanks to my fearless friend who sent me the highlights of this report. You know who you are!

Late last year, Gunnar Frank (trend researcher from Amsterdam) presented his views on the newest trends for house and home. But as we know, what starts in one category will eventually be absorbed by other forms of design. A lot of these trends you will see sprouting up already, while others we'll have to keep a look out for.

So, I attribute most of these findings to Mr. Frank. So if you disagree... take it up with him :)

Today, on the heals of my Pantone post, I start with color. Yellow is everywhere, all hues ranging from happy-go-lucky buttercup, to a more serious mustard, and a spicy curry. Kelly green is also making a huge appearance in fashion and home goods. And, apparently, white is the new black!








The new curry-yellow line at Paper Source.





















Kelly green coat from Top Shop.



















New white bag as seen at Principles.








Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to go shopping...

Pretty in...

Pantone® has asked some well known fashion designers for their color picks of 2007. While they were referencing paint color, the palette can be applied to any project. It's fresh and fun to see new color combinations... as it's often too easy to get stuck in a rut.

Take a look at all the scrumptious hues.

Magma

I just came across this store online. A shop with floor to ceiling books on all things designery. I'm so excited! Looking forward to a field trip to the brick and mortar store soon! I'm sure I'll come back with some fantastic new ideas. Gwyn and Dana – I'm sorry I didn't know about this when you were out here. It would have been perfect!

Since we're talking about books... here's a little eye candy. I happen to own this gorgeous piece of art and love to just browse the pages when I need a creativity kick-start. I'm lucky to live close to their store. Take a look if you have time, it's just all so pretty!

Decal Delight

As a follow up to yesterday's post about pattern, decals and their mainstream availability, take a look at the great pieces being sold at Urban Outfitters. These are just entirely too much fun! I wish I had endless blank walls to decorate. The best part is that some of these are "do it yourself" which allows for individual taste and creativity.







Even the deer have patterns in them! And they're PINK! It doesn't get much better than this.

Patterns, patterns, everywhere!

Let me be clear. I LOVE PATTERNS! More specifically, I love patterns used in unusual ways or places. Sure, we're all used to seeing beautiful wall paper, china, or upholstery. But now we have wall decals, packaging, tables, etc... all decked out in gorgeous patterns. The best part is that it is now becoming mainstream.

As a packaging designer by trade, I'm especially keen on the aesthetic value that patterns can add to a product. For example, Pearlfisher did a beautiful job on the Cowshed line of products. The design hearkens to historic patterns, but manages have a modern appeal.




And BrotherSister create intriguing furnishings that will brighten any room.



So keep a look out for patterns popping up around you. And, as my cousin so astutely pointed out... Candelabra patterns are the next "big thing." I bet she's right...